Community Comes Together in Outer Banks to Help Hurricane Helene Victims
OUTER BANKS, N.C. — It was a bustling scene at the Outer Banks Boil Company on Tuesday as locals flooded in, arms laden with supplies. The community rallied together, prepared to send aid to those affected by Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina. It was a powerful demonstration of unity, compassion, and a shared commitment to lend a helping hand.
Matt Khouri, the founder of Outer Banks Boil Company, was on-site with friends and the OBX Aviation crew. Together, they expertly loaded up a plane destined for communities in need. “When you see these areas impacted by storms like this, it’s tough to again, put into words the devastation and the pain these folks are enduring,” Khouri shared. His emotions were palpable as he spoke about the widespread destruction caused by the storm. “It’s such a wide swath of areas and communities that were hit so darn hard by Mother Nature, unfortunately.”
Minimal Impact on the Outer Banks but Not Forgotten
While the Outer Banks itself escaped the brunt of Helene’s fury, the town hasn’t forgotten the countless times fellow North Carolinians have stepped up to help during trying times. “We’re all part of this beautiful state, from the mountains to the beach, and it’s just moving to see it all come together this way,” Khouri remarked, highlighting the interconnectedness of the state and the spirit of teamwork.
Thanks to the outpouring of support from the Outer Banks community, thousands of essential items will be flown to a staging area in Concord. It’s there that the donations will be sorted and dispatched to those affected by the hurricane.
A Team Effort
But it wasn’t just donations that highlighted the community spirit. Local emergency responders from Dare and Currituck County are actively working to assist with Hurricane Helene relief efforts. Jennie Collins, chief of Dare EMS and MedFlight, provided insights into the organized response. “I have a list, you know, a mile long, of people who want to go and help,” she noted, showcasing the willingness of those who understand the impact of such disasters.
The Dare County EMS team deployed a highly skilled crew consisting of paramedics and advanced EMT personnel. They are currently on a four to six-day mission in Rutherford County, with plans for rotating shifts to ensure fatigue doesn’t compromise their effectiveness. Their immense support is crucial as they assist local agencies experiencing an overwhelming influx of emergency calls after the storm.
Compassion in Action
Providing relief isn’t just a job; it’s a shared experience of understanding for many involved. “Some of those agencies are experiencing two to three times the normal number of emergency calls for their existing staff. That’s a huge workload when they’re also worried about their own families and friends who’ve been impacted,” Collins elaborated, shedding light on the real challenges faced by first responders in the aftermath of natural disasters.
Khouri reiterated his unwavering commitment to supporting the affected communities. “As long as we have the pilots, the planes, and the ability to fly in aid, we’re going to do exactly that,” he vowed. When the needs evolve, so will their approach, exploring other avenues for delivering assistance, such as trucks and trailers.
How You Can Help
The spirit of community shines brightly in the Outer Banks, and the call for assistance is ongoing. Residents looking to contribute can find information on how to donate or get involved through social media platforms and community organization websites.
Organizations like Outer Banks Boil Company, Our Epic Project, OBX Aviation, and many others are leading the charge to lend support during this time of crisis. The heartwarming response demonstrates that the Outer Banks community is steadfast in its commitment to stand by those in need, as long as it takes.
In times of adversity, the unwavering spirit of solidarity emerges, reminding us all of the goodness that can happen when we come together.
